The force that
captured Almeida was part of a major Spanish offensive to overrun Portugal. A northern pincer invaded Portugal from
Galicia crossing the
Douro and threatening
Porto while the southern force crossed the border from
Ciudad Rodrigo.[1] With Spain invading Portugal in support of
France, Britain sent reinforcements to aid the Portuguese; in total around 8,000 men led by John Burgoyne.

On 24 August
Count of Lippe decided to attack the Spanish town of Valencia de Alcántara which was a main supply base for the invasion. He sent John Burgoyne, a colonel of the
16th Light Dragoons now local rank of
brigadier general with an Anglo-Portuguese contingent of around 2,800 men (400 light
dragoons, six British infantry companies of the
3rd Regiment of Foot, eleven Portuguese
grenadiers companies, two howitzers and two light guns).[2] Burgoyne passed the
Tagus at
Abrantes. At
Castelo de Vide, Burgoyne was joined by 100 Portuguese foot, 50 irregular cavalry and about 40 armed peasants.

On 27 August, after forced marches totalling 45 miles, they attacked and captured the town surprising the Spanish defenders; Burgoyne leading his cavalry with effect. Once the town had been captured the British and Portuguese quickly cleared the neighbourhood of the Spanish troops, taking a number of prisoners including a Spanish general. In all several companies of the Spanish regiment of Seville which were garrisoning the frontier town was effectively annihilated. In addition the town was left undamaged and had to pay a ransom of a year's taxes in corn.

This little victory raised Portuguese morale. Burgoyne was given a large diamond and the Spanish Colours were captured. The victory also set back the invasion and contributing to the general victory that year. Two months later he defeated the Spanish again at the
battle of Vila Velha.[3]